Chelsea 'exploited' the rest of the Premier League title chasers according to manager Antonio Conte.

The Blues are now eight points clear at the top of the table thanks to a 2-0 win over Hull City at Stamford Bridge, with others around them dropping points.

While not at their best, Diego Costa and Gary Cahill's goals sealed all three points for Conte's side, and he was delighted that his side managed to handle the pressures on them by moving eight points clear at the top.

On the win

“Yes, yes, for sure this game wasn't our best game. But I think it's normal. It can be normal because we are in the second part of the season, and the points now are heavy for us but also for the other teams.

“Today the points were very heavy for Hull City because they are in the relegation zone. We faced a really good team in good form and with good organisation. They changed the system to play against us, but I'm pleased.

“I'm pleased because, after this weekend, you can see that when I talk and say games like this are very difficult, and there aren't easy games, it's the reality.

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“This weekend told this. A lot of opponents dropped points this weekend. For sure, I'm pleased because it's not easy to play the last game of the weekend and to know the results of the other teams.

For different aspects, we had a lot of aspects. If the opponents win or lose, you always have pressure. Today we had the pressure to win and exploit this weekend, and it's not easy, it's not easy, above all when you play the last game.”

Right decision on playing Costa

“You must tell me if I did well to put Diego in the starting XI. If I remember well, I told you in the press conference that I have to make the best decision for the team. If Diego wasn't ready to play today or my choice was bad, the fault was mine. Not the player's.

"I think Diego played a really good game with a good attitude. Now it's important to rest because today we wasted a lot of mental and physical energy, so a day off and then we prepare for the FA Cup.”

Costa's goal celebration?

“Honestly, I didn't see it. I was celebrating myself. When we score goals, sometimes my celebrations are very dangerous for my staff... It's important to score the goal and to celebrate in any way.

"It's important Diego played a good game, and I hope with this game to finish the speculation about him, about me and him, about Chelsea. I think we showed that we are a team with a great unity, and I think this is the real value that helps us stay top of the table.”

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Chelsea's title to lose?

“In my experience, in my career as a footballer, I win a title with seven points four games at the end. I win, and I lost. Before four games from the ends. Now we have eight point lead with 16 games to play.

"Me and my players need to know this league will be very tough until the end. For sure, but to win this type of game and exploit the situation that the other teams dropped points was very important. I'm sure about this.

"But this league will be very tough until the end. To stay now in that position is fantastic for us because, at the start of the season, no one backed us.”